I'd trade Pressley to Chicago for another prospect in a heart beat. Not sure they'd let him go, but I've always liked Moises Ballesteros . Would be a log jamb at catcher/1b - I like his lefty swing and might convert him to LF, after getting him to lean up a bit.
Pressly is one of the few trade cards the Astros have. And there is little doubt that, on the field, the Astros are better in 2025 with him than without him. If they don't get MLB or MLB ready talent back for him (especially OF) then it's a mistake to trade him.
Reddick also said on the Crush City podcast that Verdugo is a perfect fit for this team because he hits lefty, is motivated to prove last year was a fluke, but will be cheap because of it, and because he has played for Dodgers, Red Sox, and Yankees - he has won every year and knows how to do it and what it takes.
The problem with Verdugo is that he’s never really been very good. His only exceptional season offensively was in the shortened 2020 year (note: he was also very good against RHP in 2021). Other than that he’s been a very average hitter with mixed defensive reviews. He’s a capable fringey everyday player who rarely strikes out but aside from that doesn’t have much to offer. I’d be fine with Houston adding him and having him in the 7 hole against RHP but he is not going to elevate Houston’s projection much if at all, so he would need to be very cheap (<$6M/1yr) to represent a good value.
With Altuve, Alvarez, Diaz, Paredes, and Walker playing everyday Verdugo does not need to be exceptional. He needs to not be a negative vs RHP. That's all.
Pressley isn't a valuable trade asset. You get what you can and clear the money. The cleared money is what gets you an outfielder, NOT a return from Pressley. I'm not sure we sign anyone else unless we unload some money.
I look at it another way. FA year means he'll do whatever he can to make sure his stats are on point for another contract. Another year like last year and he'll lose millions.
Exactly, and after last year, give me a lower level prospect with some promise and Pressly's money. That's a win.
Depends on what the Astros do with the room. Polanco and Profar are both available, as well as a number of pitchers that could have a big impact on the Astros. If Profar or Polanco have a good year, they likely have a larger impact than Pressly. Right now the outfield situation isn’t good. I have some concerns about the pen without Pressly but there are a number of options. Profar for example - if he has a year similar to last year potentially gives the Astros a top offense - especially adding Walker and McCormick hopefully bouncing back in CF. Altuve Profar Alvarez Diaz Walker Paredes McCormick Pena
I understand that the Astros can use Pressly's salary to fill holes that could be more impactful and actually improve the team in 2025. My thoughts were specific to trading away Pressly and not replacing him with someone on the 26 man roster. Unlike Abreu and Montero, this team is still better with Pressly than without him, so any trade must be more than just a salary dump.
Pena plays SS, and plays it well...that's all that matters, his OPS is on the level of "who****ingcares?"
Effectively trading Pressly for Profar would be a very good move for the Astros if they can pull it off. I am extremely optimistic about Houston’s bullpen depth. Tayler Scott probably won’t repeat last season but I have really high hopes for Ort, King, Whitley, Dubin, and some of the AAA guys. Sousa also can be really good if he’s healthy.
